A hugely popular Leicestershire farm shop has taken on a new venture, thanks to input from our sister company Euro Catering. Attfield’s Farm Shop, which dates back to the 1960s, decided to expand its operations with the creation of an on-site tea shop. Euro Catering provided the equipment, and the advice, to get the ball rolling on this exciting project.
Expert Advice
Having served the local community with fresh produce for a number of decades, Attifield’s has long been encouraged to open an eatery where its customers can recharge after their shopping. When the decision was finally made to go ahead with a tea shop, they called in the experts.
With Euro Catering’s Franco Soprano heading the project, a new kitchen and front-of-house counter was designed from scratch. Distributor partner, Caterlink UK, also played their part in proceedings, and with help from the above, Attfield’s introduced a Palux Topline heavy-duty modular suite and a Giorik Steambox combi-oven into their farm shop.
High-Quality Solutions
Complete with induction plates, fryers, planchas and vario pans, the Palux Topline was chosen for its ability to optimise workflow and in-kitchen communication. Its appliances are multi-functional and are capable of cooking a variety of dishes to high standards. A prime example here is the Palux vario pan, which can be used to cook meat, fish, soups, sauces and potatoes with the best frying and browning results and little oil required. Customers and kitchen staff alike have been delighted with the quality of the food.
The Topline is also notable for its watertight joining system, reducing the distance chefs need to travel when cooking and being extremely easy to clean. It is able to handle any future menu changes, as individual components can be taken out or slotted in at will. A much cooler kitchen environment has been realised thanks to low-heat radiation generation via induction plates and short vario pan heat-up times. These things have contributed to a noticeable decrease in energy bills, which was one of the client’s major requirements.
Further Energy Saving
With the Palux equipment taking the plaudits, it’s important not to forget about the impact of the Giorik combi-oven. As an equal partner in the farm shop’s energy-saving ambitions, its intelligent, precise use of steam has been used to cook a wide variety of dishes to perfection. Deft control over the temperature of the steam has ensured that dishes aren’t drenched or burned, with humidity adjustable depending on the type of steam used.
As well as saving Attfield’s 30% on water consumption in comparison to other combi-ovens, this unit is also nothing if not versatile. It can turn out delicate puff pastries as seamlessly as it does sous-vide, poached dishes, roasted meats or vegetables. This state-of-the-art piece of equipment has delivered flexibility, minimal shrinkage and better tasting-food with locked-in flavours to Attfield’s Farm Shop. And they couldn’t be happier.
High Praise From The Client
Speaking to Euro Catering directly, Attfield’s Farm Shop’s chef, Chris Merrick, was full of praise for his kitchen’s Palux equipment. He spoke positively about the speed at which it heats up, and how quickly it responds when it is turned down. The planchas and vario pans were also singled out for the lack of unnecessary heat they produced during service. With food able to be grilled and seared to perfection, his team are beyond excited to be working with such efficient equipment.
Owner Paul Attfield said: “We have the ideal kitchen workflow, energy-efficient equipment that will not eat into our budget and a suite and oven that are easy to clean and operate. We feel we have set ourselves up with the best choices in the market and these will stand our kitchen in good stead for years to come.”
When asked to comment, project lead Franco Soprano added: “On the basis of energy costs alone, the combination of Palux and Giorik equipment is an easy sell. When you then consider the way in which the suite is manufactured and modelled, the intelligence of the equipment and its design and the fact that the gripes of any kitchen – the heat and the clean-down – no longer niggle the team, everyone is a winner. When clients can also learn how to best use their equipment, by working with our in-house development chef, Darren Massey, it is no surprise to discover that clients are delighted with what we can offer.”
To discover more about Palux and Giorik equipment, please visit our website. You can find further details of Attfield’s Farm Shop here.